LeBron James misses NBA All-Star starter selection for first time since 2004
For the first time since 2004, LeBron James has failed to be named as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game.
One of the sport’s greatest-ever players had his remarkable streak halted on Tuesday (WA time), with the 41-year-old unable to secure the fan vote to be locked in to the western conference’s top five players.
Fellow MVP-credentialled players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City), Nikola Jokic (Denver) and Steph Curry (Golden State) were all named, along with San Antonio’s third-year phenom Victor Wembanyama and James’ LA Lakers teammate Luka Doncic.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The announcement was somewhat expected for James, with the league’s longest-tenured player and all-time scoring leader feeling the effects of his age this season.
James missed the opening 14 games of the season due to sciatica, and has sat out three more matches since amid averaging 23 points per game - his lowest clip since his 2003-04 rookie campaign.
The veteran can still earn selection from the league’s coaches to be named as a reserve for the All-Star Game, which will be held in LA on February 16 (WA time).
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo led the voting for the eastern conference starters, to be joined by Jalen Brunson (New York), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia) and Jaylen Brown (Boston).
